Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee - Shift

About the role

The position is open for a continuous recruitment process and may close at any time without notice. A special recruitment event is scheduled on August 1, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the Regional Training Center, 962 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Applicants will have the opportunity to meet the hiring team, tour the facility, and take the written exam.

Exam Schedule

• Group #: 1
• Application Submission End Date: July 6, 2026
• Application Review Date: July 7, 2026
• Written Exam Date: July 15, 2026
• Group #: 2
• Application Submission End Date: July 20, 2026
• Application Review Date: July 21, 2026
• Written Exam Date: July 29, 2026
• Group #: 3
• Application Submission End Date: August 3, 2026
• Application Review Date: August 4, 2026
• Written Exam Date: August 12, 2026
• Group #: 4
• Application Submission End Date: August 17, 2026
• Application Review Date: August 18, 2026
• Written Exam Date: August 26, 2026

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License at the time of employment.
• Specialized licenses are required for some assignments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Physical and Psychological Requirements

• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a rigid post-employment offer, pre-placement examination given by the County Physician.
• Functional Capacity Examination and Psychological Examination.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of: grammar and spelling.
• Ability to: give clear verbal instructions/directions, testify, and other oral communication; understand and follow oral instructions from others; understand facility forms, reports, manuals and laws pertaining to corrections; accurately observe, recall, and report behavior; maintain discipline without causing unnecessary tension; work with others and interact with diverse individuals and groups; have tolerance for the stress of working in a potentially dangerous environment; have tolerance of highly structured, regimented work environment; maintain self-control when confronted with verbal harassment or threats; stay calm and respond with composure in emergencies; work under close supervision; obey authority; perform repetitive tasks effectively or tolerate long periods of inactivity.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $2,756.94 - $3,294.80/bi-weekly.
• Recruitment Bonus: $15,000 non-pensionable recruitment and retention bonus.
• Vacation, Holidays & Sick Leave: 13 days and accrual rate increases yearly, 12 paid holidays a year & 3 days of Paid Winter Recess Leave, up to 12 Paid Sick Days Per Year.
• Shift Differential: 7.5% of base pay for any time worked between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
• Uniform Allowance: $1,300 annually.
• Bi-weekly Special Assignment Pay: Five percent (5%) of base salary for employees assigned to SERT.
• Detention Training Officer Pay: 5% of base salary while assigned as a Detention Training Officer.
• Life Insurance: $20,000 per employee.
• Bilingual Pay: $25 bi-weekly for qualified employees.
• Health Benefits: County contributes 80% of cost for all health plans.
• EAP – No Cost Retirement Benefits: Tier 2B: 2% @ age 50, PEPRA Member Safety Tier 2 – PEPRA.

Additional Information

• All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services).
• Upon completion of the trainee core courses and promotion to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy, incumbents will be REQUIRED to work shift work including weekends and holidays as assigned by the Sheriff's Office.
• This examination will establish a 12-month eligible list from which appointments will be made at the Sheriff's Department.
• This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

Supplemental Summary of Benefits

The County will provide all employees hired on or after November 9, 2021, in a permanent capacity as a Detentions Deputy with the Sheriff's Office a $15,000 non-pensionable recruitment and retention bonus. The bonus shall be payable in full upon appointment by the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator subject to completion of a 5-year term of service as a Detentions Deputy rank or higher, including in any continuing capacity as a sworn peace officer with the County of Kern. Appointees who do not complete the agreed upon term of service shall be subject to repayment of the bonus with the following amortization schedule:

• Less than one year of services: $15,000
• Less than two years of services: $12,000
• Less than three years of services: $9,000
• Less than four years of services: $6,000
• Less than five years of services: $3,000